‘They’re copies of Edward IV’s badges,’ explained Stephen, ‘The Falcon and Fetterlock and the Rose en Soleil. I had them made for tonight.’

She gazed at them, speechless. The gleam of the stones sent currents of pleasure through her.

‘What do you think?’ he asked. ‘I wanted to surprise you.’

Her eyes smarted with sudden tears. ‘Oh, darling.’

‘Don’t you like them?’

‘They’re absolutely exquisite. You are too good to me.’

He helped her pin them to her long black dress and then he pulled her against him. She leaned her cheek on his jacket and breathed him in, feeling guilt cut into her, razor-sharp.

As the years went on, the lie she had told him about being pregnant had come to weigh heavily on her mind. It was at moments like this, when his goodness and generosity were so apparent, that it hit her hardest. He had been full of hope about being a father and she had watched that hope drain away month by month, year by year. The truth was locked in her mouth, hardened to stone. She was afraid of what it would do if she let it out. Stephen had an uncanny ability to sense her mood.

‘What’s wrong?’

She swallowed. ‘I’m just nervous about the party.’

‘Don’t be. You’ve worked so hard, it’s going to be a huge success.’

She allowed herself to be warmed by his reassurance. They could hear the crunch of tyres on gravel as cars began to pull into the circular drive below. Arm in arm, they went to greet their guests.

The great hall was aglow from an enormous candelabra and towering vases of lilies and orchids. The refectory table was covered with damask and the Courtauld family silver. The royal confectioners, Gunter & Co., were supplying an elaborate and delicious supper, while Lew Stone’s celebrated dance band played from the minstrels’ gallery.

The guests of honour were the recently crowned Edward VIII and his lover, Wallis Simpson. The Courtaulds had met them at Covent Garden when he was still Prince of Wales and he had expressed an interest in seeing the renovations at Eltham Palace. It didn’t matter why he had accepted their invitation; to have the privilege of entertaining him was a glory in itself. He was not merely at the crest of society, he was the crest. Ginie was ecstatic.

The hall filled. The Courtaulds walked round with Wallis and the King, showing them the restoration work and greeting their guests. The King, who was known to friends by his Christian name, David, was marvellously handsome with thick, tow-coloured hair and pale blue eyes. He looked boyish and vulnerable.